September 1st 2011 Signing session at the Academic Book Store (Akateeminen Kirjakauppa) in Helsinki.

Content by Ginga Board Member Kretari

When I arrived at the bookstore (3:40PM) the line was already quite long. With ten minutes left before the interview started I ran downstairs and bought a book for the notes. At 4:30PM Yoshihiro, a lady from Viz Media's Paris' office and publisher arrived with the translator and the owner of the bookstore. (or so I understood) The audience didn't cheer until Takahashi stepped on the platform and gave the audience a bow. His publisher Sakamoto, the translator and the owner joined him while the lady from Viz Media's Paris' office went to the audience to take pictures. And the Q+A began.

Q: "How did you start drawing?"A: "Well, I drew as a kid a lot, and I was good at it, so I just kept on drawing."

Q: "Where did the idea for fighting dogs come from?"A: "When I was a kid we used to hunt bears near our home. When we went to the mountains, we relied on dogs and their instincts."

Q: "How does the huge success of GNG in Finland feel like? Did it surprise you?"A: "Yes, it did surprise me, thank you!"*insert a cheering crowd here*

Q: "What did you want to tell with your story?"A: "In my series the dogs are on an adventure, but I would hope you would also follow the human. In the series friendship, loyalty and righteousness are highlighted. Justice is the most important thing I want to bring out in the story."

Q: "Do you have a dog?"A: "Yes, a Labrador Retriever."Takahashi first tried to answer in English, resulting the audience to cheer.

Q: "Did you have it when you started doing GNG?"A: "No, I didn't."

Q: "How do you work?"A: "There's six of us, me included, doing the series. At the pace we are now, we have to have help on our hands; you can't do it on your own.I draw the characters and the others do the background. I also do the stories and dialogues. The others can take breaks, I can't."He laughed a bit here, and so did the crowd.

Q:I missed this question, but it was something about the most important job of a publisher.A (Sakamoto): "My most important job is not to disturb Takahashi and to get a good story for the readers."After this Takahashi said something, but that also was missed.

Q: "What kind of daily routine do you have?"A (Takahashi): "Well, I am fully awake at noon till 12PM."(Sakamoto): "Because of this trip to Finland we will miss many days of drawing, but we drew beforehand."(Takahashi): "Thank you, it was worth it."And of course, the crowd cheered.

Q: "What does Finland look and feel like?"A: "Tokyo is a beautiful city, but Helsinki is very beautiful with its high buildings and green nature.In the future I will think Finland as my second home."

Q: "What was the inspiration for the series?"A: "Jack London's The Call of the Wild, and an article where hunters had left their dogs in the forests. The dogs became wild."

Q: "How did boys and girls react to GNG?"A: "The themes were justice, loyalty and friendship, so it did have an impact on the readers.There appears to be friendly and kind people in the readers.

Q: "How did the popularity of GNG grow?"A: "After ten weeks in Japan it wasn't that well known. After the dogs began to talk the series got more attention."

Q: "Why is GNG located in Japan?"A: "The area around my home (the Akita Prefecture) did have an impact."

Q: "How did you include other characters from other breeds?"A: "I studied dog breed books and based on their features I started including them."

Q: "What was it like to bring intelligent dogs to the series?A: "There had been talking dogs in Japanese animation, so I could bring talking dogs to the show. You can also see the dogs as humans."

Q: "Do the dogs use different kinds of dialects?"A: "The dog's nature is based on its breed. A Doberman and a German Shepherd are a bit more harsh than others. There are variatons among the dogs, of course. Differences with the dialects are found depending on the dog's home area. I think Ben and John have the coolest lines."

Q: "How did you come up with the special attacks?"A (Takahashi): "During a fight when the name of an attack is yelled out loud, it's at some parts out loud and on the other hand in the mind. It would be great if dogs could speak.(Sakamoto): "We have been thinking about the names for the attacks with the publishers about what would sound great. The readers in Japan like action, how is it in Finland?"*the audience gives positive respond*(Takahashi): "Ah, thank you."

Q: "What kind of impact did GNG's reward in 1987 have?"A: "The number of big dogs increased, and names from the series began common. Ben was found in my neighbourhood. A couple of animal stories began after GNG, but they didn't go on."

Q: "What does GNG mean to you?"A: "I have drawn quite a handful of different stories, but I think the ones with animals are my thing. Thanks to Ginga I paid my house loan."

Q: "How has the developement in shonen manga affected the series' brutality?"A: "When talking about a series with action, you have to go to a more brutal direction as the audience will be more interested."

Q: "Can an editor tell you that they can't publish your work?A: "This matter is often discussed. Back in the old days it was ok if there was a flying dog's head."

At this point Takahashi made this statement: "Dogs are easy to draw because they don't worry about the latest fashion."

Q: "As the technology develops have you started using a computer?"A: "Not too much."

Q: "Is it a desicion based on artistic or time reasons?"A: "I like drawing, and moving to use a computer would take a long time."

Q: "How big of an impact did you have on the Ginga-anime?"A: "I read the manuscript through but I left it in others hands. The drawer is different, have you noticed?"

Q: "What are your plans for future?"A: "All my energy goes to one day. I think of the future on the next day."

Takahashi then proceeded to draw for the audience. The audience got to write down their own questions in the mean time.

Q: "What was your reaction when you realized that most of the readers were women?"A: "There are woman readers in Japan too, though I had expected more men to read the series. It's quite manly at some points. There are also cases in which mothers read to their kids."

Q: "Are there a lot of western comics in Japan?"A: "No, but there are a lot of fans."

Q: "When will we see strong female characters?"A: "Right in the beginning there was one /Cross/, but that didn't leave an impact.There was none in GNG, but in Weed yes. There will be at least one femine and loyal dog coming."

And the interview came to an end. We got to take pics of the drawing before it was taken away. Outside me and my friend chatted with someone with an Akita (she was named 'Paavo') for about half an hour.

Later, at the Suomalainen, each of us got a paper with a number on it. I got number 14, meaning I was the 14th person to get an autograph from Takahashi. There was some hustle before the interview on my behalf, but on with the interview!

Q: "Why did you create a series revolving around dogs?"A: "I liked dogs as a kid, and I have a dog myself."

Q: "What do you think of GNG's popularity so far away from Japan?"A: "I was really surprised, but I was glad when I heard about it."

Q: "What kind of relationship do you have with the nature?"A: "In the Northern Japan you are surrounded by nature, so you learn to respect it."

And then the audience got a shot to ask him.

Q (a small boy): "Why wasn't Weed killed?"A: "In the Japanese culture and in my comics you die with honour."

Q: "Why did Gin have blue eyes in the anime?"A: "I wasn't in the anime-crew."

Q: "What happened to Chutora?"Takahashi began counting the Kai brothers, holding fingers when he mentioned one of them, and then...A: "I can't remember. It was a long time since I wrote the series."BOOM.

Q: "Will Ginga Densetsu Riki be an anime?"A: "I don't think so."

Q: "What happened to Gin's brothers and Fuji?"A: "I guess that was never properly told. They (meaning Gin's brothers) propably lived normal lives with humans. As for Fuji, I think she got tired of the constant action."

Q: "How is it possible that Kurotora is still alive in Ginga Densetsu Weed: Orion? He's like 20."A: "It's a manga."

And with that the signing session began. I'd say getting to the line was pretty chaotic at some point, but in a good way. The line moved fast, and before I knew it I handed over my Shiroi Senshi Yamato 15 to Takahashi, who again looked at his picture and did his "Aaah, I was so young back then~" -face. I thanked him and moved out of the way. Then one of the men with Takahashi saw my SSY, and we had a short chat.

"Oh, Yamato!""Yeah, it's Yamato.""You can understand it?""Well, somehow""It's a very good series.""Yes it is~"

Q: "Would you like to tell about your dog?"A: "I have a Labrador Retriever. Before that a wolfdog, a mutt and two Akitas."

Q: "Are you familiar with the Finnish dog breed Karelian Bear dog? Could it be possible to make a series of a Karelian Bear dog named Sisu?"A: "Absolutely, after being here in Finland I would love to draw that series. No wait, actually I will include one in Orion. For sure."And then there was a roaring round of applause

Q: "Does Hachiko and your dogs have anything in common?"A: "At least the breed. Hachiko is Japan's most famous dog, so it did give me inspiration"

Q: "How precious are hunting Akitas to you?"A: "There are lots of different Akitas, but I think the original Akitas are the most precious to me."

Q:I missed the question, but it was something about themes.A: "I wanted a moral story with important matters, such as love, friendship, loyalty etc."

Q: "Are there any similarities between Japan's and Finland's fanbase?"A: "I was surprised by how many girls there are in Finland. There are girl fans in Japan, as well."

Q: "What lead to Ginga Densetsu Weed?"A: "After GNG ended I spent 15 years trying different kinds of genres, but they weren't popular. The fans wanted dogs."Sakamoto then added: "I believe Takahashi has drawn dogs more than anyone."

Q: "Are there any animal related story that had any influence for your work?"A: "Lassie, of course." He did mention some other works, but I missed them

Q: "Are there someone's animal mangas you would recommend?"A:-again, I missed the artist's name, but they hadn't drawn in ten years- "A series about wolves."

Q: "What are you currently working on, and what about future?"A: "GDW: Orion as the audience seems to like dogs. I haven't thought about the next series yet."

Q: "What is nature to you?"A: "I like nature. You got to keep it clean, so the next generation will have something left for them.I'm originally from Akita, and the mountains in there resemble Finland's. Springs and autumns are similar in both Japan and in Finland."

Q: "Have you heard of Moomins?"A: "Of course I know the Moomins. They are known worldwide. I think the Moomins are like Finns."

Q: "Do you have a favourite character in your series?"A: "Benizakura. He's brave and strong."

Q: "Do you have hints for those who want to become a manga/cartoon artist?"A: "The most important thing to do is to draw something every day."

Q: "What has it been like in Finland so far?"A: "I've started to take a liking of Finland."

Website (En) - Website (Fi)September 3rd 2011 First day of Tracon - Public Interview of Yoshihiro Takahashi in the Great Hall at Tampere Talo

Content by Ginga Board Member Mizzkie

These are Kretari's Q&As from the Takahashi Yoshihiro Interview on the 3rd with additional answers that I had noted that Kretari missed or need correction. Also, the translator sometimes added some stuff (for the purpose of humour) that Yoshi himself did not say.

Kretari's answers are in green.My important notes are in red.The blue text in the middle of my answers are taken from Kretari's original answers.The text that is in Japanese are from the two videos of the interview uploaded by wolfie (1 & 2) which I have translated.

Q: "Welcome to Tracon. How did you react to the trip to Finland?"A: "Thank you. I couldn't believe it. As I was in Japan I thought 'Is that right?', but here I am."

ここに来るまでは信じられませんでした。日本では全く嘘だろって言ってて、こんなに歓迎してもらえてとても光栄です。

Thank you. I couldn't believe it. As I was in Japan I thought 'Yeah right', but here I am.I feel honoured to be welcomed so warmly.

Q: "How did you become a manga-artist?"A:"I had a teacher (he referred him as 'sensei') whom I used to work as an assistant for drawing."

I worked under Motomiya Hiroshi-sensei as an assistant.There are two ways to become a manga artist: to go to a manga school or work under a famous artist.I worked with Motomiya-sensei for 3 years before I became independent.

Q: "Since when did you want to become a manga-artist?"A:"Ever since I was ten years old."

Ever since I was 10 years old.There is this manga by Kawasaki Noboru called “Daihei Genji”, which was a Western cowboy story. I really liked it, and read it lots of times.Q: "What was your first story about?"A:"Shitamachi Benkei was about a naughty kid."

最初のデビュー作は『下町弁慶』といって、子供がちょっとやんちゃなことをする話ですね。

My debut story was called “Shitamachi Benkei”. It was about kids doing mischievous stuff.Q: "Where did the idea for a dog leading character come from?"A:"Ore no Alps had one."

Q: "Would you like to tell about your dog?"A:"I have a Labrador Retriever. Before that a wolfdog, a mutt and two Akitas."

今はラブラドール・レトリーバーです。その前はウルフドッグ。で、その前は雑種で、その前が秋田犬。一番小さい時が秋田犬でした。

Currently, I have a Labrador Retriever. Before that, I had a wolfdog. Before that was a mutt, and when I was very young we had an Akita.

Q: "Are you familiar with the Finnish dog breed Karelian Bear dog? Could it be possible to make a series of a Karelian Bear dog named Sisu?"A:"Absolutely, after being here in Finland I would love to draw that series. No wait, actually I will include one in Orion. For sure."And then there was a roaring round of appalause

Ah, yes. It seems like a good idea/chance. (to have a Finnish dog in the series)I think I’ll draw one in my current series “Orion”.(huge applause from audience)Ah….now I really have to add it in, do I…? *chuckles*(Note: As in “Uh oh, these Finnish fans will kill me if I don’t. I have no choice!” XD)

Q: "Does Hachiko and your dogs have anything in common?"A:"At least the breed. Hachiko is Japan's most famous dog, so it did give me inspiration"

Yes, they are the same breed. I think Hachiko is the most famous dog in Japan. I heard about his stories when I was a child. I think I was influenced by that.Q: "How preciouss are hunting Akitas to you?"A:"There are lots of different Akitas, but I think the original Akitas are the most preciouss to me."

There are several types of Akitas that exist, like Akitas for Shows. These dogs are rather slender, but the real Akitas are more stocky. They have a wider shoulder and rough, square-shaped face. They were originally fighting dogs.

Q: I missed the question, but it was something about themes.A:"I wanted a moral story with important matters, such as love, friendship, loyalty etc."

I wanted to make a moral story with important matters, such as love, friendship, effort/endeavor, loyalty, etc.I wanted to portray a message similar to Bushido by making characters die for the sake of their comrades.Q: "Are there any similarities between Japan's and Finland's fanbase?"A:"I was surprised by how many girls there are in Finland. There are girl fans in Japan, as well."

It was the same in Japan, but I’m surprised to see that there are so many female fans in Finland as well.My stories are about male characters, but you don’t see those kind of men in Japan anymore. Maybe that’s why Ben and John are popular among the female fans.(I missed something he said here, but Yoshi then says:)I don’t think there are any bad people who like my mangas. (He said this very happily. What a positive thinker. XDDDDD)

Q: "What lead to Ginga Densetsu Weed?"A:"After GNG ended I spent 15 years trying different kinds of genres, but they weren't popular. The fans wanted dogs."Sakamoto then added: "I believe Takahashi has drawn dogs more than anyone."

After I finished making GNG, I spent the next 15 years drawing mangas of different genres, but none of them were successful. Almost all of my fan letters during those times asked me “Why aren’t you making more dog mangas?”. So then I decided that I will make a sequel to GNG.(Note: I didn't get the parts said by Sakamoto-san.)

******************(Note: The following Q&As translated by Kretari don’t match up with my notes, so I’ll write my notes after the ones in question.)

Q: "Are there any animal related story that had any influence for your work?"A:"Lassie, of course." He did mention some other works, but I missed them

Q: "Are there someone's animal mangas you would recommend?"A:-again, I missed the artist's name, but they hadn't drawn in ten years- "A series about wolves."

Dogs don’t wear clothes so I don’t need to have good fashion sense. It makes things easier.

Before I started GNG, I used Togawa Yukio(*)’s “Doubutsu Bungaku Zenshu” as reference.

Note:* I couldn't find a good English site with Togawa Yukio-sensei's biography. He is the author of "King Fang".* Same comment as above, but he is the artist of the manga "King Fang".

***************

Q: "What are you currently working on, and what about future?"A:"GDW: Orion as the audience seems to like dogs. I haven't thought about the next series yet."

First I made GNG, and then GDW. Now I’m drawing “Orion” currently. It’s up to…how much was it? 10 Volumes? I think.(Mizz: No, Yoshi, it’s 11. Geez. XD)I’ll continue drawing dog mangas. I don’t have room for others. (other genres)Being a manga artist is tough. You have to draw 24 pages per week. I don’t have the time and energy to make other stuff without a break. But they don’t give you any breaks…so I have to make my mangas now.

Q: "What is nature to you?"A:"I like nature. You got to keep it clean, so the next generation will have something left for them.I'm originally from Akita, and the mountains in there resemble Finland's. Springs and autumns are similar in both Japan and in Finland."(Note: I didn’t understand what he said here, and my notes are pretty much the same as Kretari’s.)

Q: "Have you heard of Moomins?"A:"Of course I know the Moomins. They are known worldwide. I think the Moomins are like Finns."

Well…the Moomins are really popular worldwide; I don’t know what to say.I think the Moomins portray the calm, peaceful nature of the Finnish culture and people.

*************Q: "Do you have a favourite character in your series?"A:"Benizakura. He's brave and strong."

(Note: These are not in Kretari’s translations, so I don’t know if these are from the same question above:)

Besides the dog mangas….. Well, I was drawin freely back then, but I don’t think there’s anything/anyone I’d recommend.But I’d like more people to know about the story of Riki.

***************

Q: "Do you have hints for those who want to become a manga/cartoon artist?"A:"The most important thing to do is to draw something every day."

The most important thing to do is to draw something every day.If you stop drawing every day, your quality will drop.If you take breaks, you won’t improve.When you look at a drawing you drew yesterday and see something wrong with it, it’s proof that you are improving.

(Note: I don’t know what this was about, but Sakamoto-san (Yoshi’s current editor) starts talking.)Sakamoto:(He first goes bla bla bla about different kinds of magazines that publish manga. I couldn’t get this part on my notes well. Sorry.)…..and the manga artists need to hand in their works by these deadlines each week.It is our job (as editors) to help (the manga artists) create an enjoyable story. Us editors are not artists. We cannot draw, so we help out with the plot. The manga artist and his editors discuss about what is a good idea, what is a bad idea, and also about what the manga artist himself wants to express in his works. The outcomes may vary depending on the editor, but when all three mingle together in the perfect match, we get a hit series like GNG.

Q: "What has it been like in Finland so far?"A:"I've started to take a liking of Finland."

This is my 3rd time visiting Finland, and every time I get a passionate welcoming.I've started to take a liking of Finland.

Website (En) - Website (Fi)September 4th 2011 Second and last day of Tracon - Private fan meeting of 20 to meet with Yoshihiro Takahashi in Opus 1 at Tampere Talo.

6 of which were Ginga Board Members. Interpretor(s) spoke both Finnish and English, and the answers were slightly different in each language translation.

Content by Ginga Board Member Kretari

Q: "What are your least favourite characters in GNG and GDW?"A: He first tried to recall this character, referring to him as "that Doberman" before being corrected by the Finnish translator. "Sniper."

Q: "Who is your favourite villain?"A: "Akakabuto."

Q: "Is Chorou Tesshin's father?"A: "No, but he is a friend of Kurojaki who survived the fire."

Q: "Why are the females weak in GNG?"A: The reason was something about ethos. "Though there are powerful women in real life nowadays."

Q: "Could Sisu be a powerful female character?"A: "Hardly."

Q: "Does Futago Pass really exist?"A: "No, but there is a similar scenario in Japan."

Q: "How do you feel fanart and scanlations?"A: This question will be answered in Ginga Guardian. ;D

Q: "What are the names of Gin's siblings?"A: "They have no official names."

Q: "Could they have official names?"A: "They could have a story of their own."

Q asked by a member of GB:"Would you like your stories to become more popular in English speaking countries?"A: "It would be great if GNG would spread to other parts of Europe."Oh, you're so silly, Yoshi. The world doesn't end in Asia and Europe. <D

Qasked by Yoshihiro Takahashi: "What is it in GNG that inspires you?"- We (or those who actually spoke up) told him that the story, the settings and just about everything.Takahashi: "Ah, kiitos." Finnish for 'Thank you', he used this a lot at the interviews.

Q: "Which one is Yuki's father and mother in 'Anju no Jiromaru?"A: "Jiromaru is blood-related to Gin. Yuki is Jiromaru's mother, but he is not Gin's sibling."

Q: "Can we send a video of the musical?"A: "I'll be clad if you did."

Q: "Where are the photographs on GDW's covers from?"A: "The publisher's photographer takes the shots. They bring me the pictures and I draw for them."

Q: "What happened to the wolves?"A: "That's a mystery~ They could appear in the series."

Q: "Would you want to be more famous from some other series?"A: "I am happy about the situation at the moment."

Website (En) - Website (Fi)September 4th 2011 Second and last day of Tracon - Private fan meeting of 20 to meet with Yoshihiro Takahashi in Opus 1 at Tampere Talo.

6 of which were Ginga Board Members. Interpretor(s) spoke both Finnish and English, and the answers were slightly different in each language translation.

Content by Ginga Board Member Arano

A lot of mine were identical to Kretari's, so I've included the ones which were answered slightly differently in the English translation.

Q: "Why are the females weak in GNG?"A: "In Japan there is an ideal of how females should be, and so the female characters are this way for a reason."I believe many of the fans knew this already, and there were a lot of satisfied nods despite the want for a strong female to be included again, which lead instantly to:

Q: "Could the Finnish Bear Dog be a powerful female character?"He 'hm's' as his previous answer is a precursor to the outcome of this one.A: "Maybe not female."A soft chuckle ripples around the room; slightly disappointing, but understandable.

Q: "Could they (Gin's siblings) have official names?"A: "As they have no names there is the capacity for them to have a story of their own." (I bulked this out a bit due to a slightly broken English translation).

Q: Asked by me: I'm from England, and your English-speaking fanbase is very small but is growing slowly due to things like youtube, scanlations etc. Would you like to see your stories become more popular in English speaking countries?"A: "It would be good to see GNG spread to other parts of Europe." There is a pause while the interpretor speaks, and Takahashi adds:"-And please help!"He smiles and nods, then asks all of us:"What is it in GNG that you all like?"From what I could gather, the majority said it was everything, but most importantly the storyline(s). He says "Ah, kiitos", but I have to be a pain in the neck and ask to add to that!"In my country, we don't have the same teachings (though I believe I stumbled here and used a different word) of respect and honour, and those themes in GNG I believe are a very attractive thing to have."He turns to me and says:"Arigato; thank you." He said thank you and English, which was very kind of him while all I could do was smile and bow enthusiastically.

Q: "Would you want to be more famous for some other series? Or for something different, like a sport?"A: "I wouldn't be as happy if I were doing something else - I like being popular for drawing dogs."

Website (En) - Website (Fi)September 4th 2011 Second and last day of Tracon - Private fan meeting of 20 to meet with Yoshihiro Takahashi in Opus 1 at Tampere Talo.

6 of which were Ginga Board Members. Interpretor(s) spoke both Finnish and English, and the answers were slightly different in each language translation.

Content by Ginga Board Member Mizzkie

And here are my edits of Kretari's Q&As from the Fan Meeting.Colour codes are same as the previous one.

**************(Note: The question was incorrect so I changed it.)Q: "Who are your favourite and least favourite characters?"A:He first tried to recall this character, referring to him as "that Doberman" before being corrected by the Finnish translator. "Sniper."

My favourite character is Benizakura.My least favourite character is.....hmmm.....what was the name of that Doberman? I can't recall it.(translator then whispers into his ear: "It's Sniper, sir.")Oh yes, that guy.

Q: "Who is your favourite villain?"A:"Akakabuto."

I like that bear Akakabuto. That big bear.

Q: "Is Chorou Tesshin's father?"A:"No, but he is a friend of Kurojaki who survived the fire."

(Yoshi had that “WTF are you talking about” expression with a smile on his face when the question was asked. XD)No. The Chourou was one of Kurojaki's subordinates who threw themselves into the fire. He's not Tesshin's father, but his father's comrade.

Q: "Why are the females weak in GNG?"A:The reason was something about ethos. "Though there are powerful women in real life nowdays."

It’s a trait of Japanese women. Japanese women are gentle and quiet.The translator then adds: Though they are more powerful nowadays. (Note: Yoshi himself DID NOT say the last part. Cheeky translator is cheeky.)

Q: "Could Sisu be a powerful female character?"A:"Hardly."

Hmmm…..I think it’s gonna be male.(Note: He sounded like he doesn't want to make it female. Hence the translator said "Hardly".)

Q: "Does Futago Pass really exist?"A:"No, but there is a similar scenario in Japan."

Futago Pass does not exist in real life, but there is a place called “Onikoube Touge” where I got my image and inspiration from.

Q: "How do you feel fanart and scanlations?"(Note: This was a question from one of our members too. Was it sunny?)A:This question will be answered in Ginga Guardian. ;D

Well, it’s not me but rather the Company that won’t approve of it. *chuckles*(Then, one of the Editors of Nihon Bungeisha answers)We are pleased to know that fans are trying to support our works, but it takes a lot of time and effort for manga artists to create their mangas, so I would like everybody to respect them and their Copyrights.(Note: Even though that's what the Editor said, I could sense his dislike of scanlations in his tone of voice. I can bet you he's thinking "WTF are you talking about, you filthy thieves!!" in his mind. Us Japanese are too polite to speak out loud. We always sugar coat our replies so that it doesn't sound offensive.)

Yoshi's answer to fanart: I really like them. *smile* When I was a small child, I used to draw pictures of my favourite manga characters too.

Q: "What are the names of Gin's siblings?"A:"They have no official names."

Hm? Ah yes, Gin's siblings.I never thought about their names.

(Note: I edited the question a bit.)Q: "If you could give us a basic idea of what kind of name you might give them, please tell us.”[b]A: "They could have a story of their own."

If you insist, I may try to make a short story about them.

Q asked by a member of GB:"Would you like your stories to become more popular in English speaking countries?"(Note: I think Arano asked this.)A:"It would be great if GNG would spread to other parts of Europe."Oh, you're so silly, Yoshi. The world doesn't end in Asia and Europe. <D

(Before the next question, Takahashi-sensei says:To think about it, I wonder why it’s so popular. (asks fans) May I ask you; why do you like Ginga?)

Qasked by Yoshihiro Takahashi: "What is it in GNG that inspires you?"A:- We (or those who actually spoke up) told him that the story, the settings and just about everything.Takahashi: "Ah, kiitos." Finnish for 'Thank you', he used this a lot at the interviews.(Note 1: One of the Finnish fans said that back then, there wasn't much animes to choose from, but GNG stood out because unlike the others, it was really serious. It was different, so it appealed to them greatly.)(Note 2: Arano said "honour and respect". I was gonna say that! XP)(Note 3: Flann wanted to say "dogs ripping each other apart" but she kept quiet about it because everyone was answering seriously. XDDD)

Q: "Which one is Yuki's father and mother in 'Anju no Jiromaru?"A:"Jiromaru is blood-related to Gin. Yuki is Jiromaru's mother, but he is not Gin's sibling."(Note: Yoshi first thought that the question was about Jiromaru, which actually was about Yuki. It was so confusing when he started answering. XDHere are stuff Kretari missed:)Q: Then who is Yuki’s father?A: Who’s Yuki? (Mizz: OMG YOSHI!!! XDDDD)(the translator tried answering but ended up asking the person who said the original question)Ahhh, yes. Sorry about that.Actually, when I first started thinking of “Anju to Jiromaru”, it wasn’t a Ginga story, but then the Editors said to me that it would be more popular if I linked it to Ginga, so in the end, I (had to) made them Gin’s relatives.I’m sorry, but I just forgot.

Q: "Can we send a video of the musical?"A: "I'll be clad if you did."(I swear his eyes sparkled when he said that!)

Q: "Where are the photographies on GDW's covers from?"A:"The publisher's photographer takes the shots. They bring me the pictures and I draw for them."The publisher's photographer takes the shots. They bring me the pictures and I draw what I think suits them.

Q: "What happened to the wolves?"A:"That's a mystery~ They could appear in the series."

*chuckles before answering* (I bet he was thinking "OMG Why do these fans ask me such hard questions about characters I don't remember? >XDDDD)That series wasn’t that popular so it ended. It’s still a mystery, but….maybe they can appear some day?

Q: "Would you want to be more famous from some other series?"A:"I am happy about the situation at the moment."

I’m satisfied with it. (= being famous for dog mangas)I don’t think you guys would want to read something from me that’s not about dogs, right?

It took some time, but here it is. The English transcription of the whole musical. XD

I must warn you that songs are hard to translate, but I did my best. They are not literal translations as those would be horrible to read (and these still probably are). My purpose was to try and convey the original meaning of the lyrics the best I could, instead of producing lyrics you could actually sing.

Some parts have small notes added by me, when I felt that just translating would not explain the situation enough.

Um..enjoy, I guess? ;DIf someone's technologically savvy enough to actually subtitle the videos, this transcription can be used for that as long as I'm given credit as well. I would've subtitled it myself, but I lack the know-how.

The song titles are in bold and they end in the * sign.Characters who are speaking are written in italics.Red text is a translator's note.If you have questions about something, feel free to ask.

Without further ado, here you go:

CODE

Ginga musical - English

Wilson:Once upon a time far away in Japan, in the snowy mountains of Ohu a tiger striped Akita puppy was born. He was given the name Gin. It is common knowledge that tiger striped Akitas are the best bear hounds. Therefore, a heavy burden of duty was lowered on Gin's small shoulders. On Ohu mountains reigned a vicious and bloodthirsty bear called Akakabuto.The bullet of the old man Takeda Gohei had once penetrated Akakabuto's right eye. It had damaged the bear's nervous system. The bear no longer hibernated and terrorized the villages of the region with destruction and death.

The bear hunters were the region's only hope.And Gin's heavy training begun when he was just a small pup when his father, Riki, met his death in Akakabuto's paws.It requires a lot of guts to get through this training. So Gin grows bigger and stronger. He gets ready to one day face the fierce bear Akakabuto - the murderer of his father and the terror of the villagers. And defeat him.

Finally you will knowwhy you were bornand you will find the truthif only you won't give up

ONWARDS!ONWARDS!

Like the wind, onwards!

You can prove yourselfbecause you're ready to fight

For what you're up againstis something far greater than you

Oh, you will see!This shooting starii-isinvincible!

*

Gin:John! Don't scare me like that.

John:Gin, wasn't the bedtime of small puppies a few hours ago?

Gin:I'm NO small puppy! I will go and meet the wild dogs of the mountains.

John:So you've heard of them too?My owner and I saw them. They'd eaten a bear we killed a few days ago.

Gin:We saw them too!I want to meet their leader.Maybe even join the pack.

John:Don't be stupid!We belong with our humans.

Gin:Then why do YOU want to meet them?

John:To find out what sort of dogs they really are.

I will take care of the talking.You there!I want to meet your leader.

Gin:John...

Smith:Who is that, Ben?

Ben:He was travelling with the hunters.

Cross:They killed a giant bear. We need to be on our guard.

Smith:Hey Ben, test their skills.

Random dog:Black...bear.

Cross:A bear. It killed on of our comrades. I'll avenge him!

Ben:We don't have the time, Cross.We will have our revenge later.Come on.You two. If you can make the jump, you can come with us.

Gin:Make the..jump?

John:Cowards. They won't even avenge their comrade.Gin, what are you doing?

Over the chasm “Aim for it & Find the source Gin”

Gin:Yes!I will try!It's merely an obstacle

Hyena:A mission almost impossiblefor a pup his age it truly is

Wild Dogs & John:YOU DON'T HAVE GUTS!YOU DON'T HAVE GUTS!

Gin:Just you watch!I will prove you all wrong!Jump!

Wild Dogs & John:OH NO!OH NO!

John:He won't make it!

Wild Dogs:OH NO!OH NO!

Smith:He's flying!

John:GIIIN!

Wild Dogs:Unbelievable! He is!Unbelievable! He is!Even though he's only a pup.*

Ben:I'm Ben and I lead the first division.There are twelve divisions in our pack altogether.On behalf of the great leader, we collect strong males to join our ranks.

Cross:I'm Cross.And I think that females are just as welcome.Some of us are stronger than most males.

Smith:I'm Smith. The leader of the third division.I ALSO think that females are more than welcome.Especially good looking ones.

Gin:I'm Gin and this is my friend John.

Ben: That was a pretty good jump.

Cross:Pretty good!? That puppy jumped better than any of us.

Ben:The winds were on his side.Well, do you still want to meet our leader?

Gin:We do!

(A Howl can be heard)

Ben: Our leader calls for us!

Gin:This scentThis scentIs such a familiar one

How could Ihave forgotten?

This isThis issuch wishful thinking

If onlyit could be that way

Hear the longingof a young heartas it quietly beats

(They arrive at the meeting)

Sniper:And late again!Ben's lot! Every single time! I demand an explanation!

Smith:It wasn't Ben's fault.First, we got attacked by a bear. Then we found these two dogs and..

Sniper: I don't want excuses! You arrive on time or you don't arrive at all!

Cross:The officer must've noticed Ben's skills. He fears for his position and that makes him so cranky.

Sniper:That German Shepherd, maybe. But puppies are not accepted into the pack.

Gin:My old man!

MY OLD MAN! “Fire!”

Gin: My old man!I knew it. You're my OLD MAN!I didn't believe. I saw you die, falling down to the darkness

Sniper:Old man!?!Shit, he ain't your OLD MAN!How you dare you make such a claim?Are you ready to die, you brat! You brat!

Ben:Gin is going to challenge the officer.

Cross:But he cannot win.

(Undistinguishable talking)Whaaat? Shut up already!

Smith and the others:Could it be true?What's the meaning of this?! Woooohh---

John:Your old man?!Stop it already. Some OLD MAN?Are you kissing his ass, or do you havesome stranger complexes hidden within?

Gin:My OLD MAN!Can't you see? He's my OLD MAN!But what ifmy father is deadand I'm wrong all along?

Sniper:What old man?!Goddamn you kid! Some OLD MAN! Shut up.I'll bite you to death.That'll teach you to lie, you brat! You brat!

(This next part Riki sings was not audible due to microphone difficulties, but this is what he says:)Riki:This is too strange.I cannot understand.What's the pup talking about?!I can't recall a thing from last spring!

John:Get your damn head fixed.I'm so ashamed.

Others:Could it be true? / Get your damn head fixed.

Smith & others:What's the meaning of this?! /We're so ashamed!

Riki:You be QUIET!*

Riki:Let it be!

Sniper:But..

Riki:All of you are like sons to me.I am grateful that you want to serve me like you would your father.All of the divisions have gathered here.But our numbers are still too small to win against the bears and create a free land on the mountains for wild dogs to live in.Akakabuto has gathered other bears under his command. He is preparing for war against us.At dawn, you will all leave in different directions to search Japan for more dogs to join our cause.

The 1st, 2nd and 3rd division head south!The 4th, 5th, and 6th divisions go north!The 7th, 8th, and 9th divisions go west!And the rest of you head east!

We will meet again in three months, at full moon.And then NO ONE will be late!The war against Akakabuto begins.Am I understood?

All:Understood!

Gin:I need to go and say goodbye to my mother and my owner.But I promise to be back by morning.

Cross:I trust you, Gin.

(John and Gin are left alone)

John:At first I thought that I'd challenge the leader and take control of the pack.But I don't want to anymore. They're all mad!Dogs can never defeat the bears without humans and their guns.

Gin:I don't agree with you, John.

John:And what was that talk about your old man? You shouldn't lick his boots like that.

Gin:But he was my daaad..~

John:Only the weak seek the shelter of the pack. That “leader” of theirs is the perfect example.

Gin:THAT'S ENOUGH, JOHN!

John:Your eyes. Gin.You're only a small pup. But something in your eyes impresses..even me.

Gin:John..

John:Gin..?

Gin: Could you take care of my owner too while I'm away?

John:I will.But we'll be able to kill Akakabuto before the wild dogs have collected their pack.So..don't get yourself killed in vain, Gin.

(Gin arrives home)

Gin:Mum..I'm going away for a little while.

Fuji:Gin..your eyes..

Gin:What..what about my eyes?

Fuji:You have your father's eyes.Don't worry.

A Familiar Scent “Gin and Daisuke”

I

Gin:This scentThis scentIs such a familiar one

How could Ihave forgotten?

Gin & Fuji:This isThis issuch wishful thinking

If onlyit could be that way

Fuji:Hear the longingof a young heartas it quietly beats

II

Gin:The road of fate is unknownBut soon I will understand

Fuji:Our longing takes us beyond mountainsit makes this world change

Dry your tears, our paths will crossOr is - this world too wide?

RememberThat you're not alone

There's always a place in my heart for you

Even when winter comesand the snow covers our dreamsJust rememberI will always miss you

Gin:MUM!

*

Wilson:At dawn, Gin returns to the pack just in time before their departure. The dogs head out in different directions. Some to north, some to east, some to west. Ben's division heads south. They run non-stop for ten days until they arrive at the Kai mountains.

Ben:Look! There's the city of Kofu. It's filled with strong dogs...who are ready to fight.I know this, because I was born and raised there myself.

Hyena:Why didn't we come here to gather troops earlier?

Ben:Because...follow me.

The Gutting Song “Appearance of Rival John 2”

Here's a mighty beasta ham worthy of a feast

Slice the stomach, tear the guts!Slice! And rip!

We need to gnaw through the dermisDrink up all the juiceWe need to cut the tendonsAND NOW WE'LL HAVE A FEAST!

Akatora:Ben, thank you for coming with us. Moss is a strong dog. He has tried to get us into his pack for a long time now but we have not agreed.

Chūtora:And the swine didn't like it one bit.

Akatora:He wants our hunting grounds to his territory.

Ben:Really? I think he seems like a strong, good dog.I'm going to ask him to come with us.

Kurotora:I wonder if that'll work..

Ben:The rain has stopped. It's time to move on.

Smith:Ben, wait. Hyena hasn't returned yet.I'll go looking for him.

Gin:Smith, I'll come with you.

Smith:Okay

Ben:Oh the eagerness of youth. That Gin won't sit still even for a moment.

(Gin and Smith search)

Smith:Gin, this is dangerous. We are on Moss's land.

Gin:Someone's coming.

Smith:Is it Hyena?

Gin:No, there's too many. Let's hide.

Smith:But that's Sniper. What's he doing here?

Sniper:So you're Moss's son.

Jaguar: Yes, and you are?

Sniper:Your death.

Jaguar:Lloyd!

Sniper:Moss's son. I will tell you this, because you'll die soon anyway.I plan to start a war between Ben and Moss.Now, say goodbye!

Gin:Stop it!

Sniper:Incredible agility.That pup. He might be the leader's son after all.I must kill him!

Smith:Nooo!

Hyena:They drowned!

Sniper:That's good. Now no one can prove it was me who killed Jaguar and not Ben.

Wilson:Smith and Gin fell down the cliff and and were swept away by the current. Treacherous Sniper and Hyena didn't think they had any chance of surviving the river below.They had no idea that in the strong current, Gin kept a strong hold on Smith's collar to keep his friend above the water's surface.But..but there was a waterfall ahead, and-

Akatora:What's taking so long?!What if..

It's Jaguar!

Chūtora:Moss's son!

Akatora:He's wounded!

Cross:Oh no..what if Gin and Smith..?

Kurotora:They could dead by now.

Ben:Come.

(We move back to Smith and Gin)

Gin:Smith! Wake up! Breathe!

Smith:G-Gin..You saved my life, Gin.

Gin:Smith! You're alright!For a moment I thought you wouldn't make it.

Smith:Don't be silly!Quickly, we need to warn Ben and the others.Come on, or I'll leave you alone in this..forest.

Gin:W-what forest?

(We join the rest again)

Wilson:In Moss's territory, the battle has already begun. Moss's troops have found Lloyd, who was with Jaguar, dead. They think that Ben and the Kai brothers have killed Jaguar as well.The battle..the battle has already taken..a nasty turn.And to witness that, here come Gin and Smith.

Smith:Stoop! Stop this.This is all a misunderstanding!

Gin: Moss, Jaguar is alive. Sniper has been pulling all our tails.He was the one who attacked Jaguar, not us!

Moss:What?

Smith:That's right. Me and Gin saw everything.

Cross:Well, Gin and Smith. I'm glad that at least you two are alright..

Gin:Ben? Ben? Ben, where are you?

Cross:Gin..Ben..Ben is..

Akatora:Gin, Ben is there. Under that boulder.

Gin:No..no, no..Ben, Ben?Who killed him!I will have my revenge!

Moss:Cub. Were you telling the truth, when you said that Jaguar is alive?We'll go and search for him and then we'll come back to kill the rest of you too.

Gin:Stop!So it was you who killed Ben!

Jaguar:Father! You've all been tricked.

Moss:It's too late. Now we fight!

Ben:Stop! Seize the fighting!There's no way the dead can rest in peace in this racket.

Gin:Ben!

Cross:Ben!

Ben:Moss, we shouldn't fight. Your son is alive, and so is Gin.We should be friends. And there's no fighting among friends.

Moss:Beautiful words, Ben.But I can't join your pack until you prove yourself to be a real man.

John:I fought against your leader in the mountains.And I lost for the first time in my life.

I decided to join his pack.I bring an important message to you.Akakabuto has gained many new bears to his pack. There's no time to lose.

Smith:So, Akakabuto has gained more reinforcements as well.

Ben:But we're not going there to die.We fight so we could live.

Moss:That's the right attitude!I at least am going to live until I'm a hundred years old!

Cross:Gin, you're too young to howl. Grow up first.

(They leave, Sniper and Hyena appear)

Sniper:Rats! The whole plan was a complete bust!

Hyena:How is this even possible?

Sniper:Get down!

Hyena:No, no, no, no!Sniper sir! What are you going to do?!

Sniper:You'll see.

Hyena:No, No, hurts...

Wilson:Finally, Moss and his troops decided to join Ben's pack. They continue the journey together. The dogs run tirelessly side by side. They are united by one goal. The fight against Akakabuto.

At long last, they arrive at the shores of the sea.

Gin:Wow.What is this humongous puddle?

John:Is this your first time at the sea, Gin?

Gin:The sea?

John:Yes. Beyond it you can find other countries.

Gin:New countries..Wait a moment. I can see an another country. I can see an another country!

John:That's not a country, that's Maarianhamina.

(Translator's note: Finnish pun here. Maarianhamina is a city that belongs to Ahvenanmaa. Ahvenanmaa is an Island situated between Sweden and Finland, but it belongs to Finland. Since the actors are in Finland, it's not a new country..)

Smith:What? Are you out of your mind? That's Shikoku. We're in Japan.

Ben:No. Were in Tampere.

Wilson:Yes, I've been to Shikoku when I still worked at the circus. Strong warrior dogs live on that island. Fighting dogs. They have been bred to fight.

Gin:Strong warriors? Ben, can I go there?

Ben:What?

Gin:I'll bring the strongest warriors back with me!

Ben:Are you going to swim all the way there?

Gin:..Yes!

Ben:Impossible.

Gin:B-b-but..Ben!

Ben:We'll continue our journey tomorrow. Don't think about such foolish things and get some sleep.

Wilson:Gin, are you sure you want to go alone?

Gin:Who else would go? Ben can't swim that far.

Smith:Yes. Because Ben can't swim. Not even dog paddle.

Gin:Exactly. That's why I need to go.Don't tell Ben.

John:I'll come with you.

Smith:If he comes along, then I will come too.

Kai brothers:Let's all go!

Wilson:You'll need my help if you want to find the warrior dogs.

Akatora:I'll ask the old man Moss to look after Ben.

Gin:Thanks, guys.

Wilson:So, before the tide changes, Gin and the others gather together.They are now ready to go.

Gin:I'll bring the strongest warrior dogs with me. Wish me luck, Ben.

Oh Ben “Across the Sea”

In the horizonthere's a distant islandAnd that's wherewe now need to goBecause timeis running out

Oh Ben, we must leave you behindOh Ben, on this lonely shore

Gin:Warrior dogs are waiting for usI will try to lead everyone.

But the waves are highand the distance so longHowever, they're not going to stop us!

Aaaaa~

[yells] Ready?![spoken] Let's go.

The shore draws near.The tides fall behind usWe made it after allBut the challengeshave only just begun

Oh Ben, please forgive usOh Ben, for we have stolen away

Gin:In your behalf, I'll get the best of fightersfor you wouldn't have known how to swim.*

Wilson:After arriving safely to the island of Shikoku, Gin and the others watch the warrior dogs from afar. A mastiff named Musashi is the current champion. The dogs decide to go and see him. In order not to scare Musashi with their numbers, the Kai brothers are sent to negotiate with him.

Chūtora:There's the body builder!

Kurotora:Let's attack him!

Akatora:I will do the talking.Hey, you're coming with us!

Chūtora & Kurotora:That's right!

Musashi:What?

Akatora:Resistance is futile.

Damn it, humans! Let's get out of here.

Chūtora:We failed, damn those humans!

Kurotora:Let's get our pack and force the creep to come with us!

Akatora:Can you hear that?Someone's chasing us.

Kurotora:Aniki!

Chūtora:Aniki! Aniki! Aniki! Aniki! Aniki!...No!

Musashi:Get out of my way!

(Akatora and Musashi find Gin and the others)

Gin:What has happened?

Akatora:Mountain dogs attacked us. Musashi saved me. My brothers..

Gin:Mountain dogs?

Musashi:Yes. They live on the mountains and they're very dangerous.I knew to expect you. Rumors about you have reached us all the way here in Shikoku.It's good that you decided to come straight to me.

Gin:Are you..coming with us?

Musashi:Of course, young man.I'm way too old to fight for titles anymore. I'll be glad to come with you to defeat those damn bears.

Gin:Thank you, Musashi.

Random dog:The two tiger striped dogs are being held captive at the mountain dog's temple.

Akatora:Gin.I'm sorry, Gin.Gin...your eyes..

Gin: What about my eyes?

Akatora:Oh, Gin..

Musashi:We better wait until morning. I'll gather my warriors and we'll go to the Mountain dogs' temple together to save your friends from their paws.

Smith:That's probably the best idea. Just think, even the Kai brothers lost to these dogs.

John:We'll need all the help we can get.

Gin:Ben, I hope I'm doing the right thing..

(Gin arrives at the temple)

Random guard dog:Halt!You're not allowed to enter the mountain dog temple without permission.

Gin:I've been given the order to meet your leader.

Random guard dog:Oh, right. I'll fetch him.

Kurotora:No, Gin. It's a trap!

Gin:I'm not leaving you here!

Sniper, you scum!What are you doing here!?

Sniper:I came to send you to heaven!

(The others arrive)

John:Gin!

Sniper:Don't come any closer or I'll break his neck!

John:What was that?!

Smith:He didn't break Gin's neck, did he? Bastard!

Gin:My collar...You heartless jerk!You broke my collar!Now you'll get to see what sort of mutt I really am!

Wilson:He..he got stuck in a tree.

Sniper:Shut up! Get me down from 'ere! (Translator's note: This part used a script that had been taken from the badly dubbed Finnish Ginga VHS tapes. In the tape, the word “alas”, which means “down”, had been pronounced wrong. They used it, which explains the laughs this dialogue got.)

Gin:And be sure to think of your actions!

Cross, what are you doing here?

Cross:Gin, I'm bringing an important message from Ben.

Oliver:Gin, this female swam across the ocean even though she's pregnant. Just to see you.

Gin:Are you going to have puppies, Cross?And Ben's their father, isn't he?

Wilson:Cross had swam to Shikoku, even though she was close to giving birth. She needed to tell Gin something important. She wanted to tell that the troops sent to north had been destroyed. There wasn't a day left to lose.

Gin:Let's head back straight away!

Smith:Bye bye, Sniper!

Wilson:And so, Gin leads his grown troops back across the ocean to meet Ben and the others.

Mutsu generals:We are the leaders of Mutsu!You're going to join our pack now.

Ben:Now wait just a moment. We belong to the pack of the great leader of Ohu.

Mutsu generals:What could be better? Soon the Ohu's great leader bows down to us.Our pack will be the biggest in the world.

Hey, look at this guys. Such manly men! I'll take them with me and giftwrap them all.

Gin:Uh..you're not taking us anywhere.

Mutsu Generals:That's riiight!

Gin:What's so funny?

Hakuro:Hmm..A strong young man like you is the perfect gift for the great leader of Ohu. The rest of them, I'll keep for myself.

Cross:Rubbish! We are the warriors of Ohu.

Hakuro:A FEMALE!

Ben:Alright!Let's calm down.

Hakuro:I am Hakuro. And WE come from Hokkaido. We are the best bear hounds in the world. So, naturally, we assumed that the warriors of Ohu would come to get us. When no one arrived, we decided to come on our own.

Ben:I apologise for the misunderstanding, Hakuro.You are all more than welcome to the great leader's pack and to the battle against the bears.

Cross:Um..what about these?

Ben:Let's take them too..

Now that everyone is here, we'll head back to Ohu. It'll be full moon soon and the time to gather together.

Everyone:Alright, Ben!

Wilson:And so starts the long journey back to the mountains of Ohu where the leader tries to stand his ground alone against all of the bears. The moon is almost full. It is time.

Onwards! “Gathered Strike”

Onwards we shall go!Onwards with our strength!

Our minds in a frenzyAll willing to fightA fierce heart beatsIt's time for our revengeThese dogs are ready to even meet their deaths

Onwards!Onwards!

Like the wind, onwards!

Akakabuto!Just watch out!We are on our way

For what you're up againstis something far greater than you

Oh, you will see! This pack you will meeti-isthe end of you!

Bwahahaha!!*

Ben:I feel like I've forgotten something......Akame?

Riki:Listen.Akakabuto has his fortress in the Futago pass. It has found reinforcements but there aren't so many bears yet that we wouldn't have a chance to defeat them.We will crush Akakabuto's fortress and eradicate his tyranny from the face of the earth!My comrades, today we fight.

(Cross arrives with puppies)

Chūtora:What are THOSE?

Oliver:Such adorable little ones.They look just like you.

(Ben and Riki talk)

Riki:Ben, I'm grateful for the pack you've gathered and every member in it. But you're not coming with us. Stay here.

Ben:But leader..

Riki:Your mission is over. Get down from the mountains and look after your family.

Ben:No. No, leader, you can't. No!

Cross:Calm down, Ben. Wait.I can't tell you not to fight for your friends. And also, for me.So go, and fulfill your duty. I promise to raise the pups to be strong even if you won't come back.

(Translator's note: The Finnish fans know the Kai brothers as "The Tiger brothers" so that's what they actually shout. For clarity's sake I've translated them as Kai brothers.)

Akatora:You have no chance against us!

Hakuro:I am the brown bear slayer Hakuro. You should be proud that I'll be ME who kills you!

Musashi:My name's Musashi. It's time for you to face the champion!

John:I am John, the terror of the wild beasts of Africa!

(Akakabuto appears)

Riki:Ben, you disobeyed my order!

Ben:Attack!

(Akatora gets attacked while saving Ben)

Riki: Akatora!

Chūtora & Kurotora:Aniki!

Ben: Akatora, are you alright?

Akatora:I think...I got hurt a bit worse this time.

Chūtora:What are you saying?

Akatora:A foreign land ahead of me Does this journey never endBy fighting togetherwe shall survive.

Chūtora:Aniki..

Kurotora:No...

Chūtora:Let's kill it!

Ben:Stop!

Kurotora:But..!

Ben:We can't lose you too!

Chūtora & Kurotora:But..!

Ben:Look after Akatora!

(The battle continues)

Riki:Gin.We are bear hounds, for we have been given in birth the ability to give a lethal blow.

Gin:A..lethal blow?

Riki:Yes. You will see what I mean.My son!

Gin:What..what did you just call me?

Riki:The front paws of the bear are it's most dangerous weapons. That's why we have to strike from behind.

Gin:Yes, father!

Wilson:The bear hound Riki had all but risen from the dead. While Gin and the others were away, he had defended their territory alone. The bears had attacked him together, and buried him alive in the chasm.But..with the help of these blows Riki was able to regain his memories. Suddenly, he could remember Gohei, Fuji, and Gin again. An even greater pyre of rage towards the bear blazed within him.The leader wouldn't allow Akakabuto to stain the land with the blood of any more dogs.This final attack would be their last chance to defeat this cruel monster.

Ben:Impossible!

John:Persistent devil!

Smith:Gin!

Gin:Smith!

Smith:I brought the old man from the village. He can shoot it!

Gohei's voice:You goddamned bear!

Ohu's Warriors “Shouri no Uta”

Oh, just you begyou're done foryour reignis over nowand the mountains are now free

OooSpread the wordWe have won

Ho, my warriors rejoice!Now we can forget all the grief

LET US HOWL!

Oh my friends! Tomorrow!The warriors of Ohu are victoriousMany have fallen in our steadFor them we give all honor and our praise

HEY NOW YOU GUYS,LET'S PARTY!

Oh dear friendsour pack istogetherso strong and invincible

We trust one anotheroh, warriors!You have great heartsI will keep you in minefor forever.

Oh my friends! Together!We shall embark on a new journeyMake haste, the past is left behindSoon, a new day shall dawnAnd may this life always move on

Oh my friends! Tomorrow!The warriors of Ohu are victoriousMany have fallen in our steadFor them we give all honor and our praiseWe will always hold you in our hearts*

(The final battle)

(Note: At this point, Riki says “This way” but I don't think it's part of the show. Akakabuto is simply blind. )

Gin:Father!

Riki:Finish. It. Off!

Gin.That was a great deed.

Gin:Father..

Riki:From this day onward, you will be the leader of Futago Pass.

“Sorrow”

Riki:My son, do not cry in vainBe strong, take care of the othersIt is our victory, that we had this journey togetherI'm proud of you, GinYou are my son, I know that now.Our time together was shortbut it meant all the more.

Today is not a day of griefThis is our greatest victorySons, do not mournBury our deadand carry their legacy.

We bid you farewell*

Gin:Friends.Akakabuto is finally dead.These mountains are safe for wild dogs to live in.We lost a great deal. But we also won!

Wilson:The bloodstained reign of Akakabuto had finally come to its end.No more would its roars echo in the Ohu mountains, where the victorious howls of the wild dogs could now be heard.The dogs were howling to honor their fallen comrades..and to celebrate the new hope that rose within them with the new dawn.In the past few months Gin had grown into a powerful, determined leader.In the paw prints of the great leader he would lead his warriors into a new, better tomorrow.

“Tomorrow”

The pale dawn on the skyit envelopes youdampens the painand silences the criesNow forget all sorrow.

Aaa!~Those who always do their bestHave great things in store for their future

That tomorrow we will shareThat tomorrow will come, I know it

The silent voice of memorybrings the past back to usThe most fragile of dreamsarrive, blindingly bright

Aaa!~These days will become betterSo tells us the bright morning sun

On that tomorrow, we will raise our sailson that tomorrow, we behold a new day.

Those who always do their bestHave great things in store for their future

That tomorrow we will shareThat tomorrow will come, I know it

THE END

(If you watch the end party, too:Smith comes up and takes the microphone:“Thank you all, you were a great audience.HOWL!“Hopeanuoli musical says thank you!”)